Chapter: 805
Murmur.
Amid the nervous reactions to my greeting, a murmur mixes in.
Why is everyone reacting like that to my simple hello?
Everyone seems to be sweating buckets or the existing tension in the air seems to have grown even heavier.
Rot.
“Ha….”
Shudder.
Even my released sigh provokes a reaction.
Seeing that, it feels like I might end up sighing even more than I already have.
‘I didn’t do anything, but it feels like something’s already off.’
I’m somewhat accustomed to this kind of wound, but perhaps because it’s been a long time since I felt it, it doesn’t feel very good.
‘I was just trying to treat you all normally.’
Having done something like this in my past life, I thought I might try doing it a bit differently this time.
However, looking at that sight, it seems like that would be impossible.
“Here I am, greeting everyone, but the responses are ice cold.”
I nod my head slightly and take a step forward.
At the same time, I stretch out my hand.
A little use of my energy ensnares a chair that was sitting far away.
Boom-!
I plop the chair down in front of me and sit with a loud thud.
“It’s nice to see you all. You must have had a rough morning.”
Still, there’s no answer.
But the atmosphere seemed to improve compared to before.
I continue speaking while scanning the crowd with my heavy-lidded gaze.
“I am Gu Yangcheon, who will be guiding you from now on.”
As I state this, I can feel the reactions diverging.
On one side, the applicants I personally selected merely nod along.
Next to them.
The ten individuals sent from the alliance show notable discomfort on their faces.
‘Let’s take a look.’
I check each one, observing their expressions.
I want to see if there’s a familiar face first. Memorizing names is the second reason.
‘Those eyes are quite fresh.’
Since they were drawn from various units, even though they try to conceal it, their discontent is apparent.
Though this new sword corps is being formed, they are all wandering warriors, and that’s understandable.
‘But that can’t be the case.’
In my view, it couldn’t possibly be that way.
These are undoubtedly spies sent from their respective units.
However, the difference between what the Twin Swords intended to do and what they’re currently doing… is that the former did it covertly while this is being done openly.
From my perspective, this is much better.
When done secretly, dealing with it once caught is a hassle. Doing it openly, on the other hand, is actually quite comforting.
“You must have heard what I said… Ah, if anyone doesn’t like that I, a mere child, am speaking informally, raise your hand. I won’t change anything, but I’ll listen to your opinions.”
Of course, no one raised their hand.
From the moment they entered the sword corps. Starting from when they joined the alliance, rank was just a redundant fact.
“Then, I’ll take it that there are no complaints and continue.”
I pull a letter from my pocket.
It’s the letter that came with my robe. It briefly explains the personnel.
“You’ve probably heard from your superiors, but we are not a group created for hunting monsters. We are purely a unit created in preparation for battle against the enemy force, Sapa. Understood?”
The eyes in the crowd grow sharper.
It seems they correctly heard me.
“I assume you understand this as well…”
Flick.
As I talk, I read through the letters one by one.
Excluding those I already memorized, I focus only on the explanations of the ones sent from the alliance.
‘Hmm.’
Three faces are familiar.
Five names bring fresh impressions, and I only know the names of two others.
From this collection…
‘There are four guys I want to get rid of.’
I quickly sort the information in my head.
Then, I burn the letter in my hand.
Hwaruk-!!
Suddenly combusting the letter draws shocked reactions from the crowd.
Taking note of their responses, I prepare for my next move.
“I don’t think I need to introduce myself. Since there’s no point in us being overly polite right now, how about we get straight to the point?”
I chuckle, brushing the ashes of the burned letter away.
There’s no bravado in my act.
“You know already that I have just been assigned to the sword corps, and it seems there are no ranks or positions for anyone here.”
Except for me, everyone else merely holds the title of swordsman, currently void of rank.
This is the same for those sent from the alliance.
Regardless of what titles they held in their previous units, all of it gets erased the moment they step into Seongryongdae.
That’s probably the reason for their disgruntled expressions.
This relates to an agreement I had with the writer.
“So let’s figure that out first.”
I’ll define the positions first.
It’s proper that the master does so, but it’s deeper and more explicit than that.
This means I’ll do what I want, completely disregarding any ranks given by the alliance.
Just as I’m about to mention this…
Swipe.
Suddenly one person raises his hand.
He’s one of those sent from the alliance. When I look at him, he speaks as though he’s been waiting for this moment.
“I have a question. What you said earlier—”
“Shut it.”
…!
The tone cuts him off, and he freezes in surprise.
I cast my eyes down at him.
“I didn’t give you permission to ask questions, did I?”
As I add a hint of disdain to my voice, I see his throat move, swallowing hard.
…I’m sorry, I’m sorry.
“Your name.”
“Y-yes?”
“Are you deaf? Before asking me anything, introduce yourself. This is basic common sense!”
…I am Third-Class Warrior Jeong Seol-jin.
Third-Class Warrior.
In terms of skill, he ranks as a top-tier warrior mainly responsible for combat.
While he may not be at the officer level, he could definitely hold a squad leader’s role.
I nod along and reply.
“Go on. What’s your question?”
…My lord, first of all, I am a Third-Class warrior.
“Yeah, I heard that.”
But what you said implied that we should ignore the ranking system and decide independently in the battalion, is that correct?
The rank assigned to him from the alliance is three. It’s a quite high standing, yet he questions whether that rank holds any weight here in Seongryongdae.
“That’s incorrect.”
I quickly dismiss the assertion.
“Let’s clarify this.”
“It’s a bit vague to say we’re self-governing.”
It seems he hasn’t grasped the critical point.
“I decide. You’re merely obligated to accept it.”
Jeong Seol-jin’s eyes widen in response to my declaration. It seems he didn’t expect someone to draw such a bold line.
“It’s not a matter of second-class or third-class or even higher. I don’t care!”
The ranks granted by the alliance mean nothing to me.
“While we’re here, what I say is law!”
…But…! Isn’t Seongryongdae also part of the Murim Alliance?
“So? Are you implying that because you’re Third-Class, you expect to be treated as such?”
…That’s not exactly what I meant, but…
“You’re being ridiculous. What’s your deal, huh?”
…!
The atmosphere plummets as my unfiltered insult hangs in the air.
“Ultimately, you’ve done some fighting, and now you’ll whine for better treatment. Why is your tongue so long?”
…
“You seem to understand when you beat around the bush, yet my words are apparently lost on you?”
I furrow my brow.
“I have no intention of accepting any of that. So, don’t flaunt your rank. Jeong Seol-jin, was that really so difficult to comprehend?”
…
“You need to answer. I’m asking here.”
…I-I don’t…
He says he doesn’t, but his expression is crumbling.
Seeing that makes me feel like I might burst into laughter.
‘What a mess he is.’
Perhaps because I haven’t yet established any real discipline, it seems he’s crawling up over trivial matters.
If it goes too far, my old nature might resurface.
I have to hold it in.
I must endure this, yet it’s proving to be quite a task.
‘Living like before was much easier.’
If someone didn’t listen, it was just a matter of making them listen.
For those who tried to rise, I could pull their arms to keep them down. If their stares were insolent, I could burn their eyeballs out.
There couldn’t be a simpler or more efficient method than exerting my strength.
‘What a difficult world I’ve made.’
Trying to lead a life that’s different from before has become convoluted.
In the past, I would have pulled out tongues to set an example.
Now, not being able to do so feels like a regret.
“Is there anyone else like Jeong Seol-jin who dislikes my methods?”
I speak while biting back my irritation, and once again, someone raises their hand.
“Yeah, you over there.”
“Hello. I’m a Third-Class Warrior…”
“Was that Hyun Woo-cheol, right?”
…Oh, yes, that’s right.
The look in his eyes wavers when I name him without him needing to say it.
“Speak.”
“If rank doesn’t matter, then how will you decide?”
If you intend to disregard the orders from the alliance, what method will you employ?
The answer to this question was already clear to me.
“Is there even a method to decide?”
I stretch my neck, pointing towards one side with my hand.
There’s a slightly vacant area within the battalion.
“There’s an easy solution here.”
…What do you mean?
Fwooosh–!!
“Wha…!?”
The moment I conjure fire in my hand, those watching jump in shock.
I channel my energy into the flames.
I toss it lightly, and it hovers in the air.
“The flames should burn for about one hour. After that, they’ll extinguish.”
That would be approximately how long it took for the flames to die down.
“Decide within it.”
“Eh?”
“D-decide?”
Everyone’s faces turn to confusion upon hearing this.
I take in their bewildered reactions and continue explaining.
In truth, there isn’t much to clarify.
“You can figure out your methods. Settle it by fighting for fun before time runs out, have a friendly discussion, or vote. There’s just one order you all need to fulfill before I return.”
I shift my gaze from the flames to the group.
Then I alternately point at both factions with my finger.
“Pick one person from each group to serve as the deputy leader. I’ll place the selected individual in position.”
…!
Make your decision before time runs out.
That’s the decision method I’ve chosen.
“U-um, my lord?”
“To reiterate, rank doesn’t hold significance. The individual selected will…”
I sharpen my gaze and target those who have been unwilling volunteers, specifically focusing on the angry warriors who were drafted.
“Whoever it may be, that person will sit in position. Make sure you figure things out thoroughly.”
With that, I turn my back immediately.
I’m sure they have a lot of questions, yet none follow.
Perhaps they’re incredulous, confounded, or simply reacting in disbelief—I couldn’t care less.
I’ve issued commands that might go unheeded.
Simply dropping orders about deputy leaders without formalities must seem absurd.
But.
‘After all, they’re all warriors.’
They’re filled with desires for acknowledgment and honor.
In that light, competition will make them much easier to handle than anything else.
‘This approach is better than fussing over embarrassments to establish discipline.’
The simplest way to manage rebelliousness is none other than this.
All I need to do is point the blades at one another.
If they don’t leverage the political mess they’re embroiled in, then they’re not using their heads.
‘Alright then. They’ve bought some time for me.’
I stroll off lightly.
‘Time to get things moving on my end as well.’
The destination is Mukyeon’s quarters.
After about half an hour of walking to reach Mukyeon.
Fortunately, getting there wasn’t too challenging. I had already sent word the moment I arrived.
“…Seongryongdaeju.”
Mukyeon squints at me upon my arrival.
“Hello.”
“It must be a busy time for you. What brings you here on the first day?”
“Oh, I’ve let them play on their own for a bit, so it should be fine for the time being.”
…You let them play?
When I mention it in a way that sounds like I’ve left children in charge, Mukyeon’s eyebrows knit slightly.
“They are spending time getting to know one another… Roughly speaking, that’s what it means.”
…
He wears a look that suggests there’s something left unsaid.
Seeing that, I let out a light cough and say to Mukyeon.
“Oh, by the way, how’s the Golden Dragon Lord?”
“From what I can see, it seems he’ll regain his senses either today or tomorrow.”
That’s quite unfortunate.
“…?”
“I’m kidding. Isn’t it really lucky?”
…
Though I said it as a joke, he appears to find no amusement in it at all.
That’s a bit exaggerated; I wouldn’t want him to stay unconscious on purpose.
‘After all, once he wakes up, I can make life even more miserable for him.’
Yes, it couldn’t simply end with just a few exchanges.
Since he’s interfered with me, I can’t take it lightly.
“I’m serious, though. You’re essential to prove my innocence.”
“…Understood. I get it now.”
His expression conveys disbelief, and he also doesn’t seem to grasp it well.
That old man is someone whose words and eyes can convey completely different meanings.
“Why have you come to seek me out amidst your busy schedule?”
Even while I speak sincerely, Mukyeon still looks skeptical, but that isn’t what matters right now, so I let it slide.
“Oh, it’s nothing much.”
I pull out a letter I had prepared earlier and hand it to Mukyeon.
“Regarding the individuals I mentioned previously, the ones I wanted to bring along personally. I’ve compiled a list.”
…
This is one of the conditions agreed upon with Mukyeon.
When founding the Seongryongdae and taking my place as the Grand Master, I requested that I be allowed to bring a few individuals into the sword corps through my authority, irrespective of selection or dismissal.
Initially, I requested to bring eight members in total, but Mukyeon deemed it too many and asked me to narrow it down to three.
Through ongoing negotiations, we settled on five.
Today is the day to present those five to Mukyeon.
‘As for how you’ll react…?’
I was curious to see Mukyeon’s response to this.
Sarak.
Mukyeon slowly flips through the letters of recommendation for the five individuals.
He furrows his brow in certain sections. In others, confusion dances in his eyes.
Moving through four sheets, he reaches the final one.
…Huh?
At that moment, Mukyeon’s eyes widen to the size of saucers upon seeing what’s written.
The old hand clutching the letter tightens.
“This is….”
His voice shakes slightly as he addresses me.
Under his astonished gaze, the contents of the letter come into view.
It contains light details about a woman’s life.
Among explanations that don’t seem to have pressing issues, there’s only one reason that caused Mukyeon to react this way.
“Is this woman truly…?”
The last line describing Piga’s daughter reads:
“Are you claiming she’s the bloodline of Eulryeong Swordmaster?”
Meaning she’s the hidden daughter of Eulryeong Swordmaster.
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